How to Remove Lacquer Overspray

How to Remove Lacquer Overspray
Written By
Wade Shaddy
Wade Shaddy
Published: Apr 21, 2011
Updated: Feb 14, 2019
1 minute read

A certain amount of lacquer overspray is unavoidable, and even the most experienced woodworkers deal with it on occasion. Lacquer overspray occurs when the spray gun is inadvertently sprayed into the air over a lacquered surface. The airborne lacquer atomizes and the fine particles harden and settle on the freshly lacquered surface creating a sandy, gritty feel to the lacquer. You can remove it with a simple trick used by woodworkers everywhere.

Fold a piece of sandpaper lengthwise with the grit on the inside of the fold.

Hold the sandpaper in the palm of your hand with the smooth paper side facing out.

Rub over the dry overspray with the paper side of the sandpaper only. Run lightly in circles to remove the sandy, gritty feel on the lacquer.

Rub your bare palm over the surface of the lacquer. If you feel any more rough areas, continue rubbing them off with the paper side of the sandpaper.

Warnings:

  • To avoid overspray, always keep the spray gun pointed down. Always wear breathing protection when working with finishing products.

Tips

You can't always see overspray. Check for overspray by first waiting for the lacquer to dry and then rubbing your palms lightly over the lacquer to feel the overspray.

Warnings

To avoid overspray, always keep the spray gun pointed down.

Always wear breathing protection when working with finishing products.

Wade Shaddy

Specializing in hardwood furniture, trim carpentry, cabinets, home improvement and architectural millwork, Wade Shaddy has worked in homebuilding since 1972. Shaddy has also worked as a newspaper reporter and writer, and as a contributing…

Sponsored
Our Pastimes Logo

A destination for the avid collector and weekend hobbyist alike, Our Pastimes features articles and tips about your favorite cards and games, hobbies and more.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.